Beverages Beer is getting more expensive in Germany
Six of the ten most popular beer brands are currently or will be affected by price increases from major breweries in the coming months. This is the conclusion of an analysis by the specialist beverage market magazine "Inside".
17.10.2025, 09:48
SDA
In addition to several large breweries, many small breweries are also increasing their prices. However, it remains to be seen to what extent the breweries' customers will accept price increases and pass them on to consumers.
In view of the large overcapacity in the German brewing industry, it is easy for retailers to buy beer at the lowest possible prices, "Inside" editor Niklas Other told the German news agency DPA.
In addition, retailers often offer the most popular type of beer, Pils, at promotional prices well below the standard prices. This means that consumers can still buy beer in stores at prices that were the same decades ago.
Bars feel the alcohol slump
Not only retailers, but also the hospitality industry is confronted with price increases for beer in many cases. "Beer sales are actually under more pressure than ever," emphasized Other.
Less beer is being consumed in the restaurant trade in particular, and there is clearly not as much emphasis on socializing at the moment. "Then there's demographics: older people are drinking less." The move away from alcohol is hitting other product categories such as spirits and wine even harder.
Coke is also becoming more expensive
Non-alcoholic drinks are also currently becoming more expensive in Germany. Other refers to the market leader Coca-Cola, which raised its prices on September 1.
According to the company, the price increases to customers in the retail and out-of-home market are in the low single-digit percentage range on average for all products and packs. According to "Inside", many other brand manufacturers have also passed on their cost increases.
In the case of non-alcoholic beverages, retailers' own brands played a greater role. Here, food retailers have already implemented considerable price increases in recent years. "With absurd consequences: In some cases, branded products on promotion are cheaper than the own brands at Aldi, Lidl & Co."
